How To Navigate Being New In The Office

You did it! You got the job. Plenty of excitement and curiosity comes with starting a new job – and not just for you.

Your future coworkers are also excited to meet the latest addition to the team. Integrating into a new workplace can be nerve-racking, but also extremely beneficial if handled well. Looking at a fresh start as an opportunity will set you up to be a successful and valuable member to the team.

7 Essential Tips To Help The Newest Employee Fit In

Here are some helpful ways to make the best out of being new in the office.

1) Meet Everyone In The First Week

Even if you won’t be working side by side with everyone in the office, knowing their name will make it a lot less uncomfortable when you are both waiting for a pot of coffee to finish brewing in the break room. If you work in a very large office, this might not be possible, but do your best to say hi and introduce yourself.

It may be the last time you ever talk to that person, but you will likely see them around and at least elevator rides downstairs at the end of the day won’t be quite as awkward.

2) Ask How Things Are Done

You’re not at your old office anymore and you shouldn’t expect the new workplace to accommodate for the way you’re used to doing things. Your transition will go more smoothly if you embrace the differences with open arms and learn how to do things the new way.

Don’t secretly do it your way. Do it their way until you can prove that your way is more efficient and then delicately suggesting taking a different approach.

3) Take Part In Every Social Outing, At Least For The First Month

Getting to know your coworkers away from the office will allow you to see who they really are and vice versa. You may find that your desk neighbors are more likely to engage in meaningful conversation when they are not at the office trying to keep up with deadlines.

Attend happy hours, bowling nights and even just coffee breaks throughout the day.

4) No Need To Feel Threatened By Inside Jokes, You’ll Be A Part Of One Soon

But please for the love of all that is good, do not pretend to know what your coworkers are joking about. That just makes everyone uncomfortable – probably including yourself.

5) Ask, Ask, Ask. Then Don’t

Get all your asking out of the way early. Ask how to make a copy. Ask what font is preferred for documents and presentations – if it is Comic Sans, quit.

Ask what the break room etiquette is. Ask about the dress code. Ask how to do things you do not know how to do. Then don’t.

If you are willing to learn and welcome that eager curiosity makes you feel vulnerable, your coworkers will thank you forever. You will also be grateful when months into your employment, you won’t have to ask for help with a task you should know how to accomplish.

6) Remember That Most Everyone Is Eager To Help You

During your first couple weeks, if your coworkers are half as great as mine were when I first started at Karwoski & Courage, they will assure you that they are always available to help or answer any questions you may have.

Here’s why: if they make themselves accessible and approachable, you will be able learn faster and be better at your job and thus, they’re job will run smoother, and everyone will have a happier work environment. Remember that when you’re no longer the new kid.

7) Prove Yourself

Before you get too comfortable, make sure that everyone knows you mean business. Sometimes this means coming in early, dressing nicely even if there’s casual dress code, and of course, doing good work.

Stick to your deadlines and try to say “yes” as often as you can. Taking opportunities to work on projects or do tasks you’ve never done before that may seem below, or above, your skill level will show your team that you’re eager to help. It will also make you a more well-rounded professional.

It can be exhausting to be new in the workplace. You are often surrounded by seasoned professionals who are still strangers to you and you’re constantly trying to impress. Coming into a great group, like the folks at Karwoski & Courage, helps with the struggle of adapting.

You won’t be new forever, but don’t forget what it feels like and what was helpful to you as the newest team member. When another person is hired on, you can use that knowledge to make their transition smooth and do your best to help your new coworker – and who knows, maybe friend!

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